So what is Tier One?

Tier One is a general term used for a university that has been nationally recognized for excellence in academics and research.
Such universities also are proven to be an economic powerhouse for their region.

Economists estimate that Tier One universities generate 334 new jobs and add $8.6 million in wages for every
$10 million in research expenditures. Investment in research and development yields a 20 to 30 percent rate of
return to Texas in terms of jobs and economic stimulus, according to the Texas Legislative Study group.

In the United States, a Tier One university typically:

has more than $100 million each year in research expenditures

awards at least 100 doctorate degrees per year

is recognized by respected national organizations such as The Association of
American Universities or by publications such as U.S. News and World Report

has faculty members who are Nobel Laureate(s) and/or members of the National Academies.

What does a Tier One university mean for San Antonio?

an additional 41,000 jobs (more than 9,500 of those jobs would be the direct result of increased research).

The numbers are based on projected student enrollment in 10 years, increased research activity and
research estimates from the American Association of Universities on research activity and job creation.

In addition, Tier One means elevating the reputation and visibility of both the university and our
local community. It means attracting the best students, the most sought after
teaching faculty, and the world's best researchers.

It means faculty, students and alumni forging ahead with innovations and the creation of new
companies from ideas that are birthed in a UTSA laboratory.

It means promoting new technology enterprises and forums for cooperation with local industry.
It means providing San Antonio with economic development leverage (the best human
capital) to attract the kinds of industry San Antonio wants to grow and build.

Can you imagine Northern California's Silicon Valley without Stanford
University or University of California- Berkley?

What about Boston's Route 128, the technology highway, without MIT or
Austin's Silicon Hills without UT-Austin?

And imagine San Antonio without UTHSC-SA and its biotech industry.

The bottom line: Tier One places San Antonio, the region and Texas on the
global map of technology and industry, and that will have a direct benefit to all.

What are the Tier One universities in Texas?

The University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University, and Rice University are the state's only Tier
One institutions. Although these universities are world-renowned for research and education,
the three alone cannot keep up with growing student demand.

Also, Texas is losing ground in the global competitive market. If we, as a state, are to
compete in producing more students in graduate and doctoral programs, in producing cutting–edge
research and high tech innovations, and in generating patents that birth companies,
industries and commercialization opportunities, we will need more Tier Ones.

As a result, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) identified seven state
universities (called emerging research universities) that have the momentum
and the potential to become Tier One. The universities were chosen based on
accomplishments in research and education.

The University of Texas at San Antonio is one of the seven.

Recognizing that funding is a key ingredient in elevating these universities to the next level,
the Texas Legislature established the National Research University Fund (NRUF), which Texas
voters approved in November 2009, as Proposition 4, an amendment to the State Constitution.
Only the seven emerging research universities are eligible to compete for some
$550 million reserved in the NRUF.

Further Legislative language states that in order for an emerging research university
to be eligible to compete in the NRUF, a university must have at least $45
million in restricted research expenditures and meet four of the following criteria:

$400 million in endowments

200 doctoral degrees awarded each year

membership in the Association of Research Libraries, Phi Beta Kappa or equivalent national recognition

achieve a faculty of high quality, who are Nobel Laureates and/or members of the National Academies

achieve an entering freshman class of high academic achievement as determined by THECB

How does UTSA qualify under the NRUF?

Currently, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) is in the process of redefining
three of the six criteria (faculty of high quality, freshman class of high achievement,
and commitment to high quality education).

As criteria are being refined, the accomplishments at UTSA are continuing. The university
has a strategic plan in place to increase the number of quality faculty, endowments, research
expenditures and doctoral degrees offered each year. Also, achievements continue in research and education.

Growth also is expected in UTSA's partnerships with the military and local military
divisions like the 24th Air Force Cyber Command Center. Such partnerships help UTSA
increase research expenditures.

In addition, plans are under way to increase the university's endowment with the
support of the San Antonio community, growing corporate base and increasing UTSA
alumni population.

Also, the university is focused on securing membership in the Association of
Research Libraries and is currently undergoing a multi-million dollar
improvement to the library facility and programs.

The improvements are an important part in the university's strategic plan to
increase faculty research and provide even more academic programs and opportunities for students.

Another way UTSA is getting closer to the Tier One goal is through the
addition of top faculty and through faculty accomplishments.

Les Shephard of National Sandia Laboratories joined UTSA's faculty as
the McDermott Distinguished Chair in Engineering, and as executive
director of UTSA's Institute of Conventional and Alternative Renewable Energy (ICARE).

Ravi Sandhu, an expert in the field of cyber security and
commercialization, joined the faculty as executive director of
UTSA's newly created Institute for Cyber Security.

George Perry, dean of the College of Sciences, was recently
listed as one of the top 10 recognized researchers in the world in
Alzheimer's disease.

The number of top faculty at UTSA is expected to rise as scholars
from around the world are increasingly seeking a role in research and discovery at the university.

And lastly, UTSA is reaching the Tier One goal through student
growth and accomplishments.
Currently, UTSA has 550 graduate students enrolled in 21 doctoral
programs, and the university is increasingly attracting freshman classes of high academic achievement.

Among the many student accomplishments over the years, UTSA can add
Rhodes Scholar finalists to the list as two of its students recently received the prestigious honor, both in the same year.